Working during Grad Entry Program??

[boomer28]

Hello everyone, I was hoping someone could give me some advice.

After a year of working as a research assistant in a biology lab at a university, I applied and was accepted to the Grad Entry program at the same university. When I told my boss about the acceptance, he told me he would give me a raise and asked if I would consider staying on part time (which would be with really flexible hours). I was really looking forward to leaving my job, but I thought that maybe I could negotiate staying on as a graduate research assistant and get my tuition waived and receive a stipend. I don't know if this is possible- I haven't talked with my boss about it.

Here's the dilemma: Should I continue to work during grad school or just take out the loans? I have heard that the Grad Entry programs are pretty intense. I talked to my advisor and she suggested that if I don't have to, I should probably not work. Part of me agrees, and thinks that I should just focus on school and not worry about the loans. I am torn and I don't know what to do.

I don't know if I can deal with another year at the lab job & take a full load of classes, but how could I turn down a chance to make money or get my tuition waived? What do you think? Has anyone else been in a similar position? I'd love to hear your views. Thanks!

boomer28

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

Can you reduce your school work load if needed?

Do a financial analysis.

How much money would this job earn you? Not only the direct salary, but the stipend & tuition waiver if available.

Now if you quit work, and need to take a loan, and have no income coming in; how will that affect your financial wellbeing. WIll loans be enough? And how long will it take to repay your grad school loans.

Nowadays many grad programs are geared towards the adult learner who will be working & going to school, vs the once traditional post-bachelor student just continuing on with school in one continuous arc that began in kindergarten.

I was considering fulll time grad school but it really wasn't there in the programs I assessed.

I'd strongly consider lightening the school load, lengthening the time in school, and graduating debt free.